Life in Draft Mode: BOOK 1

THE UNEDITED NIGHT

Elias felt the heat of her gaze and the lingering taste of strawberry on his lips. The "accidental" excuse was wearing thin, and his conscience—fueled by the weight of the secret in his pocket—was finally reaching its limit.

"A change of scenery sounds like exactly what we need," Elias said, his voice dropping an octave. "My place is just a few blocks away. I have a balcony with a view of the city... and significantly better coffee than this."

Maya smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Lead the way, Clark."

The walk to his apartment was a blur of brushed shoulders and electric tension. Every time their hands touched, a spark flew. By the time Elias turned the key in his lock and pushed the door open, the air was thick with anticipation. He didn't even turn on the overhead lights; the city's neon glow spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long, dramatic shadows across the room.

Maya walked toward the window, looking out at the skyline. Elias followed her, standing just inches behind her. He could feel the warmth radiating from her back.

"Maya," he whispered, "I have to show you something. I’ve been holding onto a 'draft' from this morning that I didn't mean to take."

He pulled out his phone. His heart was thumping against his ribs like a trapped bird. He opened the gallery and turned the screen toward her.

Maya’s breath hitched. There it was: the shot from the restroom. The lighting was moody, the focus sharp. It captured her in the cream lace, the curves of her chest accentuated by the shadows, her skin looking soft and glowing. It was incredibly intimate and undeniably beautiful.